http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=461823&category=OPINION&newsdate=3/17/2006

State committed to implementing HAVA, preserving voters' rights

Friday, March 17, 2006

The March 3 editorial "Voting Pressure" completely misrepresented the efforts by New York state to meet its obligation to thoroughly examine, test and certify new voting equipment as required by both New York state law and the federal Help America Vote Act.

New York state is fully committed to implementing HAVA in a way that protects and enhances the voting system in New York.

Such implementation requires a careful and deliberate process to make sure that we do it properly, the first time, to avoid depriving the public of their right to vote.

Certification of voting machines will not be given on an "expedited" basis. All new voting equipment, whether part of an interim solution or final implementation plan, will be fully tested at the direction of the state Board of Elections to both the federal Election Assistance Commission's 2005 Voluntary Voting System Guidelines, and to requirements of our own state law.

All testing will be conducted in a transparent process. This agency has consulted with numerous groups throughout this process including activists, community groups, disability groups, legislators and our county boards of elections in developing our plan to introduce new voting systems in New York. We will continue this process as we move forward.

New York has been a leader in the certification of voting systems throughout the United States. Our commitment to secure and accurate elections is demonstrated by the fact that New York state was one of the first states to require a verifiable paper audit trail for direct recording electronic machines.

Additionally, New York state law far exceeded federal standards in making voting systems accessible to disabled voters.

New York's response to HAVA has resulted in a federal law suit for the reason that New York is determined to ensure secure and accurate elections, a time consuming process.

We are fully committed to implementing HAVA and making voting accessible to the disabled, and not risk the voting rights of any New Yorkers.

Our approach will satisfy HAVA requirements and is consistent with New York state's own statutes. Rather than rush into a system that has not been carefully scrutinized, New York will take the time to carefully examine all available voting systems before placing them in our polling places.

LEE DAGHLIAN

Director of Public Information

ROBERT BREHM

Deputy Director, Public Information

State Board of Elections

Albany